AgDay Daily Recap -September 3, 2012

Good morning I’m Clinton Griffiths. As grain prices surge under the weight of record drought, many of the country's end users are calling for a waiver of the renewable fuels standard.

TENNESSEE DROUGHT:

It's been a challenging year for agriculture, with hot, dry weather coming at a time when crops needed better growing conditions. In this report provided by the University of Tennessee, Chuck Denney has more on efforts to help producers in the volunteer state.

COLUMBIA TRADE:

It was just last year that lawmakers ratified a free trade agreement with Columbia. Commodity and agriculture groups urged its passing hoping to expand markets for U.S. goods. And so far, Columbian buyers are visiting U.S. Shores and showing interest. Ken Moore with the Arkansas Farm Bureau reports.

TEXAS TRAINING:

Farmers are no stranger to hazards in the field. That's something they have in common with firefighters. In Taylor, Texas the two groups have been meeting for the last six years to learn from each other and maybe save lives.Ed Wolff with the Texas Farm Bureau has the story.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

It's not that unusual for dairy operations to be somewhat nomadic. A few years back the McCarty family moved from Pennsylvania to western Kansas. Now it’s hired hundreds of people and helped save the local school. Kansas State shares their story.

BUTTER BAR:

You've heard of ice cream parlors and wine and cheese bars; now get ready for the butter bar. The Wisconsin Dairy News shows us how one local shop owner is building a business on compound butter.

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